Cards to 'any wounded soldier' aren't delivered, officials say

"Hundreds of thousands of holiday cards and letters thanking wounded American troops for their sacrifice and wishing them well never reach their destination. They are returned to sender or thrown away unopened."

"Since the 9-11 attacks and the anthrax scare, the Pentagon and the Postal Service have refused to deliver mail addressed simply to "Any Wounded Soldier" for fear that terrorists or war opponents might send toxic substances or demoralizing messages."

"Mail must be addressed to a specific member of the armed forces -- a rule that pains some well-meaning Americans this Christmas season."

Alternatives to Christmas cards:

The military suggests:
Donating to the USO or the American Red Cross' Services to the Armed Forces program
Posting messages to troops at a Defense Department Web site: www4.army.mil/ocpa/tooursoldiers/

Star-Telegram.com: 12/12/2007 Cards to 'any wounded soldier' aren't delivered, officials say